The impending ban on commercial cargo across the Victoria Falls Bridge will ease congestion for tourists crossing between Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in  Zambia.

The Zambia Revenue Authority announced that, from March 1, commercial cargo through the Victoria Falls border would only be allowed by rail.

All commercial road cargo traffic must now use alternative entry or exit points such as Kazungula (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana) or Chirundu (Zimbabwe, Zambia).

“This measure is meant to preserve the Victoria Falls Bridge and also bring sanity to Livingstone, which is Zambia’s main tourist capital,” ZRA said in a statement.

Wild Horizons Spokesperson, Shane White, welcomed the move, which will provide an easier passage for travellers.

Shearwater Victoria Falls Spokesperson, Clement Mkwasi, said the changes in export procedures by the Zambian authorities were a double-edged sword. “Tourism has always lamented the defacing of the Victoria Falls aesthetics due to the noise and visual pollution caused by trucks in the resorts. However, in the spirit of regional integration, free trade and free movement of goods should be promoted for the greater benefit of the two friendly neighbouring countries.”